Morningside center does not utilize a house doctor and we encourage you to keep your own physician.

Medicare covers room and board charges for a short stay in the nursing home when a three-night hospital stay has occurred and your doctor feels you have a skilled need requiring skilled nursing or skilled therapy.

Medicare covers the cost of room and board charges, medication charges, and therapy charges if a three-night hospital stay has occurred and skilled criteria is met for the first 20 days. After the 20 days a co-pay is required by Medicare. Usually, Medicare supplemental insurance covers the co-pay if Medicare is primary.

Whether someone comes to a skilled nursing facility for a few days or for long-term care, we want them to feel like they are at home. Light clothing and personal items should be brought along with items that will warm their heart, such as family photos, small keepsakes or a treasured blanket or pillow.

We encourage you to visit the facility ahead of time to see what items would be most appropriate. Unlike assisted living communities, our skilled nursing facilities provide basic furniture and toiletries. However, items that can help provide comfort during a patient or resident’s stay would be welcome.

We do have a full-time stylist who is employed by Morningside Center. For the ladies, our stylist will wash and set your family member’s hair and provide manicures. Scheduled times are once a week with touchups as needed. Chemical processing is $25.00 each. For the men, our stylist will provide haircuts, and facial hair trimming. Nail care is provided as needed by stylist.

You can visit the Missouri Department of Social Services website for information regarding how to apply for Vendor Medicaid services to assist with long term care cost. (hotlink to mydss.mo.gov)

While the average length of stay in a skilled nursing facility can be three to four weeks depending on the condition, every patient’s road to recovery is unique and based solely on the individual care plan and therapy progress. Medicare does allot for 100 days of skilled service.

Therapy usually begins within 24 hours of admittance; skilled therapy is five times a week for each discipline ordered. Generally, therapy is Monday through Friday, but there are exceptions in which it may occur on weekends.

No, all medications-even over the counter medications- must be administered by our staff members, if you want your family member to have medication at bedside the physician will have write an order, have the resident complete a competency assessment and keep medications locked in a drawer.

While we encourage people to bring a few personal items, please leave jewelry, valuables, large amounts of money, purses/wallet, electrical items, including extension cords, space heaters and electric blankets at home.

While we encourage people to bring a few personal items, please leave jewelry, valuables, large amounts of money, purses/wallet, electrical items, including extension cords, space heaters and electric blankets at home.

In special circumstances overnight stays are approved by the Administrator.

Yes, guest meals are $4.00 each; 24-hour notice is needed for a party of 4 or more.

Yes, we provide transportation to doctor’s appointments. We have handicap accessible vehicles, if needed. We prefer that our scheduling department schedules the appointments. You are welcome to meet us at the appointment or a nurse will call after to update you. We encourage you to be involved with your family member’s care.

Absolutely! We welcome most family pets, including dogs and cats. Pets will need to be on a leash or in kennel, but can move in the room freely. Please remain with your pet during visit. Pets are not allowed in the dining areas. We may request vaccination records and some breed restrictions apply.